Update: Regents Approve 3.75% Tuition Hike For Universities

Iowans attending the state’s public universities will see a 3.75 percent tuition hike next fall.

The state Board of Regents passed the increase this afternoon. Regent Ruth Harkin cast the lone vote against the proposal, citing the stagnant incomes of Iowa families.

“Iowans’ incomes have not kept up with inflation. I think this is tough for them to incur further expense. I’m just hoping that next year we’ll be able to work harder to find better solutions,” Harkin said.

Regent Bruce Rastetter, the board’s president pro tem, said the universities worked hard to keep the tuition increase as low as possible, and at the rate of inflation. He noted the universities have weathered several years of steep budget cuts, so it’s important the legislature next year approve its appropriations request.